Profiling and contouring tracer mechanism, hydraulic connections and directional control



Dec. 1945- M. TURCHAN ETAL 2,390,565

CON R MECHAN PROFILING TOURING TRACE HYDRAULIC CO N CTIONS AND DIRECTIONAL CO 0L Filed Nov. 18, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 45 45' INVENTORS 4 BY M w .1945; I MTURCHAN ETAL 2,390,566

PROFILING AND CONTOURING TRACER MECHANISM, HYDRAULIC CONNECTIONS AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL Filed Nov. 18, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS grrOQNEY Patented Dec. 11, 1945 PATENT OFFICE PROFIIIJNG AND CONTOURING TRACER MECHANISM, HYDRAULIC CONNECTIONS AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL Manuel Turchan and Curtis Walker, Dearbor'n, Mich.

Application November is, 1940, Serial No. 386,082

15 Claims. (01.90-13.15)

This invention relates to a novel profiling and contouring tracer mechanism, with hydraulic connections therefor. The invention also includes the combination of said tracer with a novel directional control mechanism, whereby certain feed motions of a work table or a cutter may be alternately cut in and out of tracer control as and when desired.

It is the object, herein, to provide a tracer mechanism for controlling profiling and contouring work of a cutting mechanism for reproducing various patterns in metal or' other material.

It is the object hereof to provide a tracer mechanism for hydraulically controlling longitudinalfeed, cross-feed, and vertical-feed of a work table or a cutter or a plurality of cutters.

It is the object herein to provide a tracer mechanism, embodying certain safety mechanisms whereby the various feeds may be regulated and controlled throughout profiling and contouring operations of a cutting tool.

It is the further object hereof, to provide a novel directional control valve used in combination with said tracer mechanism for regulating and shifting tracer control.

It is thestill further object of this invention to provide a manually operated directional control valve for intermittently effecting tracer control of a longitudinal feed cylinder and a cross-feed cylinder.

It is the further object hereof to provide in a valve mechanism means for reversing the fluid pressure connections to a plurality of cylinder inlets for reversing the direction cylinderfeeds.

It is the still further object hereof that said tracer mechanism and directional control valve be adaptable for use in conjunction with a milling machine, a lathe, a boring mill, and others.

The objects hereinabove set out and others to be shown, are accomplished by means of the various arrangements of parts and the various combinations of elements hereinafter set forth and described in connection with the appended drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the tracer mechanism.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic sketch illustrating the tracer mechanism, the feed-control cylinders and the directional control valve.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the directional control valve.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the movable element thereof.

Figure 5 is the right end sectional view of said valve on line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a sectional view on line 6-H of Figure 4.

Figure '7 is a sectional view on Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a sectional view on line 8-8 of Figure 4.

Figure 9 is a sectional view on line 8-9 of Figure 4.

The drawings above merely set out by way ofdesoription, the inventors preferable embodiment of the invention, it being expressly understood that it is not intended to be limited thereby.

Referring to the drawings, the tracer mechanism set out in Figure 1 consists of a spacer tip il threadably and adjustably secured and carried by tracer spindle l2. Said spindle is adapted to slight axial reciprocation being longitudinally disposed within tracer barrel l3 and supported by the tracer housing in the manner hereinafter described.

Barrel member or valve body I3 is axially and threadably Joined to tracer body It, the latter being provided with a dovetail l5, or other suitable device for adjustable attachment to a tracer arm or supporting member.

Valve cylinder member i6 within body I4 is provided with a plurality of inlets and outlets as will be hereinafter set out in detail.

A piston stem ll centrally and axially disposed within the tracer cylinder I6 is threadably or otherwise secured to piston i8 which is provide with annular openings l9 and 20,

Cap 2| threaded into the top of tracer cylinder I6, has centrally threaded therethrough a spring adjusting nut 22 adapted to regulate the resiliency of coil spring 23, whereby a downward pressure is exerted upon the bottom of valve piston [8.

A regulator is provided for manually operating piston l8 which consists of a bracket 24 and a cam 25 rotatively journaled upon the upper end thereof, and actuated by hand lever 26.

Disc member 21 secured to stem [1 cooperates with cam 25, and is adapted to cause movement of valve l8 upon actuation of the control arm 215.

Openings l9 and 20 are designed to provide communication separately to both sides of a cylinder G causing, for example, vertical reciprocation of a work table or a cutting tool. Opening I9 is joined by a suitable conduit to the lower end of cylinder G at point 61 as shown in Fig. 2, while opening 20 is joined by a suitable conduit to th upper end of cylinder G at point 68. 1

Valve cylinder I6 is provided with a plurality of annular openings 28, 29 and 30; 28 being a fluid line 1-1 of inlet opening connected to a suitable passage in the tracer body whereby fluid connection may be made from a fluid pressure source 84.

Movement of piston i8 permits fluid under pressure to enter either side of said cylinder through either opening l9 or 20.

Openings 28 and 39 are exhaust ports connected with a common outlet 80 in tracer housing I 4, for return through a suitable conduit to the fluid pressure sump A.

Exhaust from either side of the vertical movement control cylinder returning through either port l9 or 20, consequently is free to exhaust through either exhaust port 28 or 39, depending upon the position of piston [8.

Movement of piston I8 is governed by the tracer tip actuated spindle l2, 2. suitable ball contact 3| being preferably provided to register with the bottom and central portion of said piston.

Spindle I2 is journaled through a stabilizer sleeve 32, and adjusting sleeve 33 threaded thereto, and also through an adjusting and supporting cone 34, the latter being adjustably threaded within said adjusting sleeve. It will be noted that said cone is split and is provided with a set screw 35 for locking the same in place. Furthermore sleeve 33 has openings 33' therein to facilitate adjustment thereof with respect to the stabilizer sleeve 32.

Furthermore, the spindle is supported with a minimum of friction upon said adjusting cone, the angle thereof being 15, though the invention is not limited to that angle. A ball bearing retainer 38 rests upon cone 34, and is adapted to cooperate and engage with a minimum of friction cone race 31 rigidly secured to spindle I2 with its sides disposed at an angle complementary to the angle of the adjusting cone.

Umbrella members 38 and 39 are provided whereby leaking oil is prevented from running down the spindle and onto the tracer tip I I. Said leaking oil gravitates to the lower portion) of the tracer skirt member l3, whereby it is scavenged out through opening 4| which communicates by suitable conduit 4| to a vacuum source within the fluid sump A.-

A second valve is provided within the tracer whereby'cross-feed and longitudinal-feed may be governed alternately throughout contouring and profiling operations.

Said valve consists of a piston 42 with annular openings 43 and 44 for providing alternate communication through separate openings in the tracer housing to opposite sides of the crossfeed or longitudinal-feed cylinders I or H through an intermediate directional controlvalve B hereinafter described.

Annular openings 45, 46 and 41 are formed within tracer cylinder I6, inlet opening 46 being joined to the fluid pressure source by a suitable conduit 66 within the tracer housing l4. Reciprocable movement of piston 42 permits fluid under pressure to enter either opening 43 or 44.

Openings 45 and 41 are exhaust openings joining a common outlet 80' for conducting an exhaust from either 43 or 44, back to the fluid sump A depending upon the position of piston 42 with respect to cylinder member I 6.

Piston 42 is actuated by lateral translation of adaptor 48, caused by lateral thrusts of a pattern upon adaptor member 48 through which spindl I2 is slidably disposed. It will be noted that a suitable clearance is provided between the end of said adaptor and the tracer tip so Lateral translation of adaptor 48 consequently I causes lateral translation of the stabilizer sleeve, the upper portion 50 thereof having an annular surface inclined at an angle of preferably 30".

A ball bearing retainer 5| is interposed between member 50 and the complementary inclined surface 52 on the lower end of piston 42. Thus lateral movement of member 50 causes a movement at right angles thereto of piston member 42. l

The stabilizer sleeve 33 is limited to a translational movement at right angles to the tracer axis by means of the ball bearings 53, interposed between the stabilizer sleeve and the stabilizer housing 54.

Housing 54 is threadably and adjustably secured within the tracer cylinder l6 and secured by lock nut 55. Lock nuts SIS-and 51 within said housing are adapted to retain said bearingsf53, and the stabilizer sleeve with respect .to the stabilizer housing.

A safety valve is provisioned within the tracer cylinder consisting of a piston member 58 which threadably engages piston 42 and is carried thereby. An annular recess 59 in piston 58 is adapted for communicating engagement with annular recesses 60 and 6| formed within cylinder member I6, lock nut 62 being provided for securing piston 58 with respect to piston 42. It, will be noted that said safety valve may be operated by the upper control piston l8 if desired.

If, for instance, outlets 43 and 44 are connected to opposite ends of the longitudinal-feed cylinder H through the intermediate directional control valve B hereinafter to be described, then through said control valve 58, the exhaust from one side of the cross-feed cylinder is connected with exhaust inlet 6|, which through recess 59 communicates with exhaust outlet 60. 60, in turn, through the tracer body joins the exhaust return 69 to the fluid sump A.

Consequently, whenever piston 42 is actuated by a deflection of adaptor 48 controlling, for instance, the longitudinal-feed of a work table,

piston 58 is also actuated,which starts to cut off, or may completely out off, the exhaust from one side or the other of the cross-feed cylinder.

The result occasioned is that with a tracer regulation of the feed in one direction, feed in the other direction at right angles thereto is slowed down or stopped, by slowing down or stopping the exhaust from the other control cylinder.

It will be noted that a coil spring 63 is interposed between the bottom of cylinder I 9 and lock nut 62, tending to force piston 58 downward.

Referring to the diagrammatic view in Figure 2, the tracer cylinder I6 is shown with a plurality of'annular recesses, 28, 29, 30, 4|, 60, BI, 45, 46 and 41.

The hydraulic unit with a suitable fluid sump and pump, and mechanism for producing a vacuum are shown at A.

Conduit 64 conducts fluid under pressure from hydraulic unit A to pressure inlet 29. Conduit .work table.

65 also conducts'fluid'under pressure'to pressure inlet 48 through intermediate line 86, and also to the directional control valve designated as B, with a handle wheel control C. V a

In applicants preferable embodiment, the cutter is designated as D, with the work E on the movable work table F. i

The vertical-feed cylinder is shown as G with a movable piston secured to the table. Outlet 18 of piston l8 connects cylinder inlet 81, and outlet 24 joins cylinder inlet 68.

The longitudinal-feed cylinder is designated as H, having a movablepiston secured to the work table with inlets 68 and I0, and with connecting conduits H and 12 respectively from the hand valve B.

Cross-feed cylinder designated 1, having a movable piston connected to the work table, has inlets I3 and 14 with communicating conduits l and 16 respectively from hand valve B.

It will be noted that each cylinder G, H, and I, has therein a movable centrally located piston with a connecting rod suitably secured to the The fluid inlets to said cylinders are on both sides of said pistons, so that aflow into one side causes 'an exhaust on the other side.

By means of the valve B, next to be described, tracer control of either longitudinal or crossfeed is effected alternately by clock-wise rotation of hand wheel C. It isto be understood, however, that means may be employed for making the operation of said valve automatic.

A job may be divided into four sections within each of which, alternately, tracer control may be desirable. For instance, if in cutting an elliptical recess the pattern is travelling along its longer axis, it will be seen that tracer control is desirable for the cross-feed. However, when the tracer starts to travel the shortaxis, it is seen that the greatest control is required of the longitudinal-feed, because it is that feed which is making the greatest change in direction. Consequently, at this point it is desirable to have the longitudinal-feed regulated by the tracer.

A hand operated directional control valve B is provided whereby tracer control is changed from the cross-feed cylinder I to the longitudinal-feed cylinder H alternately by quarter turns of hand wheel C. e

In neutral position by the action of and 83 within the tracer,piston42 is slightly below its central position whereby fluid under pressure from a fluid sump A is free to enter opening 43 from inlet 45 where it is conducted to one side of the cylinders H or I to which it may be connected through the hand valve, producing feeding in one direction. As the adaptor 48 reaches an obstruction piston 42 is actuated to reverse the direction of feed. 0n the other hand, if piston 42 is initially actuated by a deflection of adaptor 48, the feed will be in one direction. Consequently, when that deflection is terminated the feed is automatically reversed by the resilient action of the valve 42.

Lateral pressure of the pattern against adaptor 48 adjacent tracer tip ll causes lateral translation thereof through the stabilizer device above described. This lateral movement causes slight vertical movement of piston 42 governing either cross-feed or longitudinal-feed of the work table, depending uponthe adjustment of the directional control valve ,3.

Fig. 1 shows the piston 42 in a' central position, wherein'fluid under pressure at inlet 48 is ensprings 23 tirely stopped. The neutral position above described would show the piston 42 slightly depressed from the position shown in Fig. 2. Thus even slightly depressed fluid communication is established between fluid inlet 48 and the annular opening 43 within the piston 42. Fig. 2 illustrates the conduit 43 diagrammatically as interconnecting outlet 43 and the hand control valve the radial position of said wheel.

In neutral position of piston 42 a pressure conduit 66 is provided to communicate with piston 42 at 46,- 43, for actuating a cylinder piston on one side thereof. Movement of piston 42 by action of adaptor 48 permits fluid under pressure to-enter the other side of the cylinder through 48 and 44 for effecting cross-feed or longitudinal feed in the opposite direction. For instance, to change tracer control from cross-feed to longitudinalfeed requires a quarter of a turn of the hand wheel C of valve B. Whichever cylinder happens to be under tracer control on one side thereof, it will be noted that the exhaust from the other side is conducted back to valve B where it is directed back to piston 42 through either 43 or 44.

If the cross-feed cylinder I happens to be tracer controlled then the longitudinal-feed cylinder H is connected through the valve B directly with the fluid pressure line 65, which is independent of the tracer. The control of the longitudinal-feed in this case is by controlling the exhaust 'from the opposite side of cylinder H.

This exhaust through valve B is permitted to return via conduit 6| through the safety valve piston 58 back to the fluid sump, through. lines 60 and 80'.

The purpose of the safety valve is to slow up or stop entirely, the feed movement in one direction whenever there is a feed in the other direction. This is accomplished by partially or completely cutting off the exhaust through said valve piston 58 from the particular feed cylinder H or I which happens to be connected thereto.

Whenever the tracer feed control through piston 42 is operated, the safety valve is actuated because the latter is supported thereby. Consequently, the purpose above set forth is accomplished whereby whenever there is tracer control in one direction, the feed in the direction at right angles thereto is either stopped entirely or slowed down to the speed of feed desired.

The hand valve B is designed further to regulate the reciprocation of the cross-feed I and likewise the reciprocation of the longitudinal feed H. The valve so designed that in one position of the wheel C fluid is conducted to one side or the other of cylinder I and exhaust from the other side thereof is free to flow through said valve B and back to piston 42. Also in this position of wheel C fluid is free to communicate directly with one side of cylinder H, and exhaust from the other side passes backrto valve B and 'then to the safety piston 58 through conduit 8|.

' By a quarter turn of wheelC, tracer control is changed to cylinder Hon either side thereof with the exhaust back through the piston s2. At the same time, direct pressure is supplied to cylinder I operating in the same direction as in the first 'position, which continues exhausting through the safety piston 58.

Anadditional quarter turn brings the tracer control back to cylinder I. Likewise cylinder H is again connected with the safety valve, but now the feed is in the opposite direction.

Referring to Figures 3 through 9, the hand valve B for controlling the feed cylinders H and I has an exhaust opening which is connected to the safety valve 58 through-conduit 6|. Another opening 18 joins the pressure outlet 43 from one side of the control valve 42. A pressure inlet 19 is also provided which is direct from the' pressure source 65' independent of the tracer. Another opening 88 is provided joining the other side 44 of the control valve 42. Pressure therefore flows through openings 18 or 88 from control valve 42, depending upon its position within tracer cylinder I6.

Valve B also has provided in its housing outlets.'||, I2, 15 and 16, which respectively communicate with both sides of the cylinders H and I at inlets 89, l8, l3 and 14, by means of which the cylinder pistons are actuated for moving the work table.

The movable member 8| of valve B is provided with a plurality of non-communicating passages 82, 83, 84 and 85, whereby fluid connection is made between outlets 16, I5, H and I2, and openings 80, 18, 19, and 11 respectively, in the valve housing.

Operation I 48 is in a corresponding position with respect to the pattern sought to be duplicated in the work.

The longitudinal feed is outward i. e. towards the observer and the cross-feed is to the right in order that the cutter D may walk around the elliptical outline W, X, Y, and Z, which represents the shape of the pattern to be duplicated.

It is seen that in this position with outward longitudinal-feed, there will be no deflection of adaptor 48. Consequently, the tracer is connected to the hand valve so that by action of springs 23 and 63, piston 42 assumes a. vertical position below that shown in Figure 1.

Consequently, in starting, outlet 43 joins I8, 83, I and 13 producing a cross-feed to the right. As soon as the cutter and corresponding tracer adaptor 48 reach the central point on the long side of the elliptical pattern and work, it will be seen that further longitudinal-feed will produce a deflection of adaptor 48.

Piston 42 rises and the hydraulic connection is 44, 88, 82, 16, 14, producing a cross-feed to the left. Thus it is seen that the reverse in crossfeed is automatic at that point.

At the same time, the connection is 65, I9, 84, 1|, 89, to cylinder H, producing a constant outward feed, i. e. towards the observer; while the other side of cylinder H exhausts through l8, I2, 85, 11 and 8|, to the safety valve piston 58.

As heretofore explained the valve 58 operates as a safety valve in that the constant feed movement in one direction is slowed up or stopped whenever there is a change in the direction of cross feeding movement of the work table. This prevents the bendin or breaking of cutters, or the dama e to work, which might otherwise occur if the feed remained constant while the reversal of direction of cross feed was even slightly late.

As the longitudinal-feed reaches a certain point such as near X, Figure 2, the hand valve is turned a quarter of a complete turn in a clockwise direction. By so doing, tracer control is changed to the longitudinal-feed cylinder H with the cross-feed which continues in the same direction, being regulated by the safety valve piston 58.

In this new position of the movable hand valve member, piston 42 is again in neutral position because there is no lateral pressure upon the adaptor 48. Outlet 43 joins cylinder H via 18, 84, H, 69 and the exhaust from the other side of the cylinder piston is 10, 12, 85, 88, and 44, whence it is conducted to the hydraulic sump or unit A.

At the same time, a constant fluid pressure is available to cylinder I for continuing cross-feed to the left through 65, 19,82, 15, and 14, while exhaust from the other side of cylinder I is through 13, 15, 83, TI, 6|.

When the work has reached the end of its longitudinal traverse outwardly, the adaptor 48 is promptly deflected as the cross-feed continues to the left. This deflection elevates piston 42 whereby fluid from 44 goes to inlet 18 of cylinder H through 88, 85, and 12, causing a reverse in the direction of longitudinal feed to an inward direction, 1. e. away from the observer.

, The work E then moves along the cutter D and by virtue of the cross-feed to the left there is a, continued deflection of adaptor 48. By the time the cutter has walked around to the point Y approximately, it is desirable to again change the tracer control to the cross-feed cylinder 1. At this point, the hand valve 8| is turned again in the same direction another quarter of a turn.

In this position tracer control is again in crossfeed cylinder I with 43 joined through 18, 82, 1G and 14, continuing cross-feed to the left with no deflection of the adaptor 48 until the central point is reached upon the pattern and work.

At the same time, continuous longitudinal feed inwardly causes a deflection of adaptor 48, which immediately reverses the cross-feed through action of valve 42, so that the cross-feed is reversed and starts to feed to the right. Throughout this longitudinal traverse inwardly, constant pressure from is available to cylinder H through 18, 85, 12, and 10. When the cutter D reaches the po nt Z the hand wheel C is turned another quarter of a turn which immediately changes the tracer control back to the longitudinal feed-cylinder. Thus the cutter walks around the work smoothly until it again reaches the point W. At this point another quarter turn of wheel C brings the movable member 8| back to its initial position.

The following chart shows the various connections efiected by various positions of the directional control valve as turned in a clockwise direction:

28, 28 to cylinder G at 88, whereby work table I" The following chart shows various control movements for each position of the hand valve The movable member 8| of the hand valve B has the four radially spaced openings 82, 88, 84 and 85, adapted to connect through corresponding annular recesses, valve housing outlets 18, 15, II, and 12, respectively.

Said outlets are also in spaced relation longitudinally of the hand valve; and the radially disposed longitudinal passages 82, 83, 84, and 85 are drilled through, respectively to each outlet from the outer end of movable member 8|. The outer ends of these openings are plugged up and separate openings are transversely drilled through the outer end of said movable member to communicate with openings 11, I8, 19, 88, each transverse opening communicating with one of the longitudinal openings, 82, 83, 84, and 85.

Furthermore, each of these transverse openings are arranged for alternate communication, with the openings, 11, I8, 19 and 88, in said valve housing.

Consequently, it is seen that turns of the hand valve 8| progressively connect the various cylinder inlets 69, 10, I3 and I4 with the exhaust opening 11 leading to the safety valve 58 in the tracer; with the opening 18 in the valve B leading to one side of the tracer valve 42; with the constant pressure opening I9 which communicates with the fluid source independent of said tracer; and with the opening 80 in the hand valve B which communicates with the other side of the tracer feed control valve 42.

It will be noted that cylinders H and I are provided with hand control valves 86 and 81 for regulating the flow of fluid to cylinders H and I respectively, or for cutting the same oil entirely. Likewise a, control valve 88 is provisioned in line 64 for regulating or cutting out vertical-feed cylinder G.

When it is desired to cut out the cross-feed, for instance, hand valve 81 may be closed. By so doing longitudinal cuts can be made across the work, merely by setting hand valve B so as to direct a constant pressure outside the tracer from line 85 to one side or the other of cylinder H.

Obviously, for this work no tracer control is required for regulating the feed. If a slight cross-feed is desired for a new cut, hand valve 81 may be opened momentarily and closed.

It will be seen that the vertical-feed is still free to act, the same being governed independently of the directional control valve B.

In order to reverse the longitudinal feed at the end of' a stroke it is necessary merely to turn the hand wheel C one half of a complete revolution.

It will be noted that at neutral position by action of spring" 23, piston I8 is slightly below the position shown in Figure 1. Consequently, fluid through 29 joins l9 and 61 to cause vertical-feed upward, until piston I8 is again in the position shown in Figure 1. When tracer tip N reaches an elevation or receives a substantially vertical thrust, spindle i2 is elevated slightly which raises piston l8, establishing fluid connection through is caused to descend.

Having described our invention. reference should now be had to the claims which follow for determining the scope thereof.

We claim:

1. The combination with a cutter and work support relatively movable axially and transversely in two directions at right angles; of a. tracer mechanism engageable with a pattern for controlling relative axial movements and transverse movement in one direction of saidwork table and cutter; a constant fluid pressure source controlling relative movement in a second transverse direction, a safety exhaust mechanism within said tracer for limiting relative movement in said second direction: and a directional control valve for regulating said relative transverse movements, and adapted to reverse tracer control from one relative transverse movement to the other, and change the constant fluid pressure source from one transverse movement to the other, and at the same time reversing saitl safety 1.135101181115111 from one transverse movement to the 0 er.

2. The combination with a stationary rotatable cutter, of a work support movable relatively in three directions at right angles, and a plurality of cylinders with movable pistons secured to said support for reciprocably .moving the same for vertical, longitudinal and cross-feeding; of a tracer mechanism adapted to engage a pattern for regulating fluid under pressure to said cylinders, controlling vertical and longitudinal-feeds; a constant fluid pressure source for cross-feeding a safety valve mechanism in said tracer for governing the cross-feed; and a directional control valve for alternately changing tracer control from longitudinal to cross-feed, and said constant feed from cross-feed to longitudinal-feed, and at the same time changing the safety control from cross-feed to longitudinal-feed.

3. In a hydraulic profiling and contouring duplicating mechanism, a cutter; a work support relatively and reciprocably movable in three directions by virtue of a plurality of movable pistons in hydraulic cylinders for vertical and transverse longitudinal and cross-feeds of said sup-- port; a pattern engaging tracer mechanism for, controlling vertical-feed and one of the transverse-feeds; a, constant fluid pressure source for operating the other transverse-feed, a safety valve mechanism within and operated by said tracer for limiting said other transverse-feed; and a directional control valve for changing tracer control from one transverse-feed to the other, and said constant fluid pressure source from one transverse-feed to the other and for chansing safety valve control from one transverse-feed to the other.

4. In a hydraulic work profiling and contouring duplicating mechanism, a cutter: a work support relatively and reciprocably movable in three directions by virtue of a plurality of movable pistons in hydraulic cylinders for vertical, and transverse longitudinal and cross-feeds of said support; a pattern engaging tracer mechanism for controlling vertical-feed and one of the transverse-feeds; a constant fluid pressure source joined to the other transverse feed, a safety valve operable within said tracer for controlling said other transverse-feed; and a directional control valve for changing tracer control from one transverse-feed to the other changing the constant fluid source from one transverse-feed to the other,

and for changing safety valve control from one versely in two directions at right angles; of a transverse-feed to the other, said directional tracer mechanism engageable with a pattern for contro1 valve being movable into positions for alcontrolling relative axial movements and transternately regulating reciprocation of said transverse movement in one direction-of said work verse-feeds, 5 table and cutter: a constant fluid pressure source 5. In a hydraulic profiling and contouring dufor supplying a constant delivery of fluid effecting plicating mechanism having a cutter and a p1u relative movement in a second transverse direcy of cylinders for vertical and transverse tion; and a directional control valve regulating longitudinal and crossefeeding of a work table said relative transverse movements, and adapted relative to said cutterQand having a tracer mechto reverse tracer control from one relative transanism with control valves and a safety valve for verse movement to the other, and change the controlling the hydraulic connections to said cylconstant fluid pressure source from one transinders; a directional control valve comprising a verse movement to the other. housing having spaced outlets adaptable for fluid 9. The combination with a stationary rotatable connection to the opposite ends ofthe cylinders cutter, of a work support movable relatively in governing transverse feeding, and inlets adapted three directions at right angles, and a plurality of for connection to both ends of a control valve, cylinders with movablepistons secured to said to a safety exhaust valve in said tracer, and to a support for reciprocably moving the same for constant fluid pressure source; and a rotatable vertical, longitudinal and cross-feeding; of a member within said directional control valve, tracer mechanism adapted to engage a pattern ha g a plurality of non-conmiunicating longifor regulating fluid under pressure to said cyltudi ally disposed channels, communicating with inders, 'controlling vertical and longitudinala d cylinder u t d dapted for feeds; a constant fluid pressure source for supalternate communication with each of said inlets, plying a constant delivery of fluid for cross feedwhereby turning of said rotatable member is ing; and a directional control valve for alteradapted to rgulate th e procation of said nately changing tracer control from longituditransverse-feeds and also intermittently reverse nal to cross-feed, and said constant feed from tracer control from one transverse-feed cylinder cross-feed to longitudinal feed. to the other, changing the constant fluid source 10. In a hydraulic profiling and contouring from one transverse feed to the other at the in duplicating mechanism, a cutter; a work supm tim s f in af y lve ont ol from on port relatively and reciprocably movable in three transverse-feed cylinder to directions by virtue of a plurality of movable pis- In a hydraulic Profiling d contouring dutons in hydraulic cylinders for vertical and trans- D ali ng mechanism having a cutter and a p verse longitudinal and cross-feeds of said suprality of cylinders for vertical, and transverse :15 port; apattern engaging'tracer mechanism for t d n a cross-feeding O a o ta controlling vertical-feed and one of the transl'ela-tive 170 said cutter, and having a tra r m uhverse-feeds; a constant fluid pressure source for anism with control valves and a safety exhaust supplying a t t delivery of fluid fo operatvalve for regulating the hydraulic connections ing the other transverse feed; and a directional to said cylinders; a directional control valve comd e tr 1 valve for changing tracer control from p s n a ousing having a plurality of ou ets one transverse feed to the other, and said conadapted for fl d communication t e PDO- stant fluid pressure source from one transverse site ends of the transverse feed cylinders, and feed to the other. inlets adapted for connection with a control valve 11. In a hydraulic profiling and contouring duin said tracer, with said safety valve, and with a plicating mechanism, a cutter; a work support fluid pressure source, a rotatable member therein relatively and reciprocably movable in three dihaving a plurality o o -Co municating chanrections by virtue of a plurality of movable pisnels adapted for continuous fluid communicatons in hydraulic cylinders for vertical, and tion separately at the ends thereof with each of transverse longitudinal and cross-feeds of said said outlets, the other ends of said channels havsupport; a pattern engaging tracer mechanism i radial openings in Sa d o tab m b for controlling vertical-feed and one of the transadapted for p o ressive alternate communicaverse-feeds; a constant fluid pressure source for tion with each of said inlets. supplying a constant delivery of fluid to the other 7. In a hydraulic profiling and contouring dutransverse feed; and a directional control valve plicating mechanism having a cutter and a plufor changing tracer control from one transverse rality of cylinders for vertical, and transverse feed to the other, changing the constant fluid longitudinal and cross-feeding of a work table source from one transverse feed to the other, relative to said cutter, and having a tracer mechsaid directional control valve being movable into anism with control valves and a safety valve for positions for alternately regulating reciprocaregulating the hydraulic connections to said cyl- 00 tion of said transverse feeds..

inders; a directional control valve comprising a. 12. In a hydraulic profiling and contouring duhousing having a plurality of inlets and outlets, plicating mechanism having a cutter and a work a rotatable member joui'naled therein with a plusupport relatively movable in three directions at rality of spaced annular openings coinciding sepright angles with respect to each other, and havarately with each outlet, there being a plurality ing a plurality of cylinders with reciprocable of non-communicating channels within said pistons secured to said support for actuating the member, separately joining on their ends each of same; a tracer mechanism adapted to engage a said annular openings, the other ends thereof pattern, a valve within said tracer adjusted having independent radial outlets separately thereby for controlling fluid to one of said cyljoining each of said inlets, each of said outlets inders,'a second valve therein for controlling fluid in the housing being adapted, upon movement of selectively to either of the other two cylinders.

said rotatable member, to progressively and altera third valve for controlling the exhaust fluid nately join each of said inlets. I from the third cylinder not under tracer control, 8. The combination with a cutter andwork a hydraulic unit for providing fluid under pressupport relatively movable axially and trans- '55 sure to the feed cylinder controlling valve in said tracer, and also a constant fluid source exterior to said tracer for the feed cylinder not under tracer control, a directional control valve mechanism for switching tracer control from one transverse feed cylinder to the other, and switching the constant pressure source from one transverse feed to the other respectively, and suitable conduits from said hydraulic unit to said tracer, said directional control valve and said cylinders.

13. In a hydraulic profiling and contouring duplicating mechanism having a cutter and a work support relatively movable in three directions at right angles with respect to each other, and having a plurality of cylinders with reciprocable pistons secured to said support for actuating the same; a tracer mechanism adapted to engage a pattern, a valve within said tracer adjusted thereby for controlling fluid to one of said cylinders, a second valve therein for controlling fluid selectively to either of the other two cylinders. a hydraulic unit for providing fluid under pressure to the feed cylinder controlling valve in said tracer, and also a constant fluid source exterior to said tracer for the feed cylinder not under tracer control. a directional con trol valve mechanism for switching tracer control from one transverse feed cylinder to the other, and switching the constant pressure source from one transverse feed to the other respectively. and suitable conduits from said hydraulic unit to said tracer, said directional control valve and said cylinders.

14. The combination with a cutter and work support relatively movable axially and transversely in two directions at right angles by a plurality of cylinders; of a tracer mechanism with control valves engageable with a pattern for controlling relative axial movements and transverse movement in one direction of said work table and cutter; a constant fluid pressure source controlling relative movement in a second transverse direction, a safety exhaust mechanism within said tracer for limiting relative movement in said second direction; and a directional control valve for regulating said relative transverse movements, and adapted to reverse tracer control from one relative transverse movement to the other. and change the constant fluid pressure source from one transverse movement to the other, at the same time reversing said safety mechanism for one transverse movement to the other, said directional control valve comprising a housing having spaced outlets adaptable for connection to opposite ends of the transverse feed cylinders, and inlets adapted for connection to both ends of said control valve, to the safety exhaust valve in said tracer and to a constant fluid pressure source, and a rotatable member within said valve having a plurality of non-communicating longitudinally disposed channels, communicating with each of said cylinder outlets, and adapted for alternate communication with each of said inlets, whereby turning of said rotatable member is adapted to regulate the reciprocation of said transverse feeds and also intermittently reverse tracer control from one transverse feed cylinder to the other, changing the constant fluid source from one transverse feed to the other. at the same time shifting safety valve control from one transverse feed cylinder to the other.

15. The combination with a stationary rotatable cutter, of a work support movable relatively in three directions at right angles, and a plurality of cylinders with movable pistons secured to said support for reciprocably moving the same for vertical, longitudinal and cross-feeding; of a tracer mechanism adapted to engage a pattern for regulating fluid under pressure to said cylinders, controlling vertical 'and longitudinal feeds; a constant fluid pressure source for crossfeeding; a safety valve mechanism in said tracer for governing the cross-feed; and a directional control valve for alternately changing tracer control from longitudinal to cross-feed, and said constant feed from cross-feed to longitudinalfeed, and at the same time changing the safety control from cross-feed to longitudinal-feed, said directional control valve comprising a housing having a plurality of longitudinally spaced outlets and a plurality of radially spaced inlets, a

'manually rotatable member journaled therein having a plurality of longitudinally spaced annular recesses separately coinciding with each outlet, there being a plurality of non-communicating channels of varied lengths within said member, separately joining at their ends each of said annular openings, the other ends of said channels having independent radial outlets for separately joining each of said radial inlets, each of said channels being adapted upon rotation of said member to progressively communicate separately with each of said radial inlets.

MANUEL TURCHAN. CURTIS WALKER. 

